Bethany College President Will Jones greets the graduates from the Class of 2019 outside Presser Hall Auditorium following Sunday’s commencement ceremony.

Here’s to dear Bethany,

How we love that name.

She has her dignity,

Glory and fame.

Long may the gold and blue

Bring to memory

Those happy days we knew

At dear old Bethany.

Lyrics from the final stanza of Bethany College “Alma Mater” by Lloyd Spear, Class of 1939, and Ralph Harrell, Class of 1939; text by LuRuth Anderson, Class of 1940.

]]>Bethany College Graduation 2019How do YOU say "Sesquicentennial?" FeaturesDala TownTue, 14 May 2019 00:07:13 +0000https://www.dalatown.com/articles/sesquicentennial5886355c17bffca1430acb79:588638cbd2b85712b9da9ce4:5cd49f20085229b3b4fbdae4When we asked people to pronounce the word we showed them, it got pretty
humorous. Little Sweden, happy sesquicentennial!

When we asked people to pronounce the word we showed them, it got pretty humorous. Little Sweden, happy sesquicentennial!

]]>How do YOU say "Sesquicentennial?"Swedes Connect Through Youth SoccerSportsFeaturesArticlesDala TownWed, 08 May 2019 02:26:36 +0000https://www.dalatown.com/articles/soccer5886355c17bffca1430acb79:588638cbd2b85712b9da9ce4:5cd0955c98204100013211f6The City of Lindsborg’s youth soccer program continues to be a springboard
for learning and growing on the soccer field. Recreation Director Beth
Ferguson says, “We have a great connection with the Bethany soccer
program.” (Read more)

The City of Lindsborg’s youth soccer program continues to be a springboard for learning and growing on the soccer field.

Recreation Director Beth Ferguson says the program is a chance for area kids to run and play and also be taught the finer points of the game by coaches who were in their shoes just a few short years ago. “We have a great connection with the Bethany soccer program,” she said.

“Players from both the men’s and women’s soccer teams coach the kids and work as officials during the youth season.”

That mentorship is providing top-notch coaching and tips from players who grew up in competitive soccer programs across the country—and even around the world—before coming to Bethany College.

The program boasts 16 teams and about 140 children in the three upper divisions for children who are in first through eighth grades. There are 30 children who comprise the younger division, ages 3 to 5.

According to Ferguson, Monday’s upper division games were rained out and will be played on Wednesday, May 9, at the soccer fields. Saturday’s final matches for the 3-5 year olds will begin at 8:30AM, followed by the older divisions beginning at 9:30AM.

PHOTOS BY OLIVIA GARRETSON

]]>Swedes Connect Through Youth SoccerSpring Calving at J&E FarmsArticlesFeaturesDala TownMon, 29 Apr 2019 20:25:33 +0000https://www.dalatown.com/articles/spring-cattle5886355c17bffca1430acb79:588638cbd2b85712b9da9ce4:5ca3a475e79c70de335e6c1aErik Peterson’s ancestors broke ground near New Gottland in 1876 and the
Petersons have been farming and raising livestock in the Smoky Valley ever
since. President Grover Cleveland signed their paperwork for a quarter
section of land as part of the Homestead Act in 1885 to finalize the deed …
(Read more)

Seven-year-old Wyatt plays with a calf

Erik Peterson earned an honorary doctorate in farming as a young boy (working with his father) before graduating with his animal science degree from Kansas State University. “Growing up on a farm you learn a thing or two,” he said.

Erik, his wife Amanda and their son Wyatt at home on their farm near Lindsborg

Caring for the land and animals is just in his DNA.

His ancestors broke ground near New Gottland in 1876 and the Petersons have been farming and raising livestock in the Smoky Valley ever since. President Grover Cleveland signed their paperwork for a quarter section of land as part of the Homestead Act in 1885 to finalize the deed.

Now the operation he shares with his dad, John Peterson, is spread across two farms located east of Lindsborg. The partnership continues to thrive despite challenges that the forces of nature can bring.

March snow and subzero windchills made spring calving a challenge for many area producers

“This spring calving season was a wreck,” he said.

Rain, mud, blizzards and dangerous windchills proved to be a deadly combination for a number of area producers’ livestock in early 2019. “It’s been one of the worst I can remember,” Erik said.

“A lot of guys got spoiled during the last couple of mild winters,” he said. Cold conditions during spring calving can lead to a number of sleepless nights.

During the worst stretch at Erik’s farm he was sleeping on the couch, then jumping into coveralls every 45 minutes to check on cows and calves through the night. Some that had been vibrant just hours before died in the cold. “Wet just amplifies the cold so much,” he said. A machine shop converted into a stable and an electric warming box helped save the calves who were the most vulnerable during the subzero windchills.

Peterson explains that changing calving operations to a more gentle time of the year is not easily done because the timing for a calf to be weaned and ready to eat fresh green grass is highly synchronized to take advantage of grass’ peak nutrients.

He added that learning and adapting has always been part of a successful operation and this year will be no different. “I’ll make some changes,” he said, pointing out a new shelter that’s already in progress to help next season.

Change and challenges are a constant in farming, like the bond between Erik and John. The fifth generation farmer smiles when he talks about working with his dad. “A lot of guys can’t make it work with their parents,” he said. “We both enjoy it and after all these years know what the other guy is thinking.”

As the two stood side by side surrounded by Erik’s black Angus heifers, John talked about the family business. “It is so satisfying to have your son say, ‘I want to do what you do. I want to farm.’”

The two agreed that growing crops and growing a business takes patience, faith and the ability to listen to each other’s ideas. “The secret,” John said, “is a lot of give and take.”

]]>Spring Calving at J&E FarmsSmoky Valley InvitationalSportsArticlesDala TownMon, 15 Apr 2019 09:59:23 +0000https://www.dalatown.com/articles/smoky-valley-home-track-4-12-195886355c17bffca1430acb79:588638cbd2b85712b9da9ce4:5cb3408aab5e9c00012ff147Track and field athletes from around the area descended on Lindsborg Friday
to compete in the the Smoky Valley Invitational held on the campus of
Bethany College. Our photo feature by Gracie Lott is a glimpse at some of
the competition centered on classic events … (Read more)

Track and field athletes from around the area descended on Lindsborg Friday to compete in the the Smoky Valley Invitational held on the campus of Bethany College. Our photo feature by Gracie Lott is a glimpse at some of the competition centered on classic events from running, jumping and throwing.

Smoky Valley’s Belle Peters goes toes up to come down with a first place finish in the pole vault, clearing the bar at 11’ 6” for the win.

Vikings’ Carson Windholz takes to the air for a win in the triple jump with a tape measure 40’ 6” jump to victory.

Smoky Valley’s Kerington Haxton nears the finish line as her 49.27-second dash earns her first place in the hurdles.

Next up for Smoky Valley Track and Field: The Conrad Nightingale Invitational in Halstead on April 18th.

Photos by Gracie Lott

]]>Smoky Valley InvitationalJazz Walk 2019FeaturesArticlesDala TownThu, 11 Apr 2019 02:39:56 +0000https://www.dalatown.com/articles/jazz-walk-20195886355c17bffca1430acb79:588638cbd2b85712b9da9ce4:5cae4a7d7817f7ca1208f8a7Brandon Draper was born to keep the beat. “Before I could walk I was
thumping my leg in the crib, so my mom called me Thumper,” he said. The
live music will cap off a busy Friday evening in Lindsborg as the 3rd
Annual Jazz Walk … (article and video here)

Brandon Draper was born to keep the beat. “Before I could walk I was thumping my leg in the crib, so my mom called me Thumper,” he said.

The critically acclaimed drummer grew up in Little Sweden, teaches percussion at Kansas University in Lawrence and loves traveling around the region with his interactive music program for elementary kids: Drum Safari.

Friday night Draper will again supply his suped-up beat to the 3rd Annual Jazz Walk downtown. The event is part of the Landmark Concert Series that highlights the calendar with a number of musical styles and tastes.

Producer, singer-songwriter and trumpeter Miles Bonny will join Draper and the band on this year’s musical journey. Bonny’s hip hop influence should give the crowd a new fusion of jazz at the JO.

The live music will cap off a busy evening in Lindsborg as the new Photo Art Gallery opens up Friday at 120 W. Lincoln and businesses stay open late for another Makers Street Collectors’ edition.

Draper and the gang will split the band up to play at Connected 7pm and Blacksmith at 7:30pm for a set before leading a musical march down Main to the JO Sundstrom Conference Center for a night of live jazz from 8:30pm to close. Admission is free and open to the public.

Swedes’ right hander Ashley Nava brings the heat during this week’s matchup with Sterling College in Lindsborg. Bethany split the double header with the Warriors, losing game one: 12-7 and winning the nightcap: 7-6. Swedes’ softball travels to Avila University for a Saturday double header in Kansas City, MO.

RBI TIME: With the bases loaded, Swedes’ Rayleen Castro swats a line-drive single through the infield.

Scoring Ciera Flores (40) from third and Alexandra Medina from second base.

Photos by Gracie Lott

]]>BC Bats at KC this WeekendThe Waffle WayDala TownWed, 03 Apr 2019 01:19:11 +0000https://www.dalatown.com/articles/starting-traditions5886355c17bffca1430acb79:588638cbd2b85712b9da9ce4:5c9c13034e17b64974db2e42Just how does a tradition like this get started, anyway? Nine years ago, a
few brave waffle people stood on Main Street, inviting folks to eat waffles
after church on a Sunday morning … (article and video here)

Just how does a tradition like this get started, anyway? Nine years ago, a few brave waffle people stood on Main Street, inviting folks to eat waffles after church on a Sunday morning in Lindsborg. Fast forward past stacks of piping hot waffles and hundreds of smiles: Little Sweden has now fully embraced the waffle culture as another reason to make Lindsborg a destination for a fun and festive atmosphere. Watch this video as organizer Carla Wilson gives more backstory to this hot-off-the-iron tale of Våffeldagen, a tradition borrowed from Sweden.

]]>The Waffle WayBenchmarkDala TownTue, 19 Mar 2019 17:18:20 +0000https://www.dalatown.com/articles/benchmark5886355c17bffca1430acb79:588638cbd2b85712b9da9ce4:5c74ba61b208fca0ee7a2f2bIt’s where kids will stand to watch parades, husbands will wait for wives
to finish shopping and conversations between visitors and locals will link
the past to present. When completed, a number of new metal benches from
Dauer Welding and Machine will grace the downtown walks and other locations
around Lindsborg with a place to rest and feel welcomed … (Read more)

It’s where kids will stand to watch parades, husbands will wait for wives to finish shopping and conversations between visitors and locals will link the past to present. When completed, a number of new metal benches from Dauer Welding and Machine will grace the downtown walks and other locations around Lindsborg with a place to rest and feel welcomed.

After listening to conversations that centered on a need for benches to return to the landscape in Little Sweden, Liz Lahodny, Debbie Jacobson and Kimi Haigh joined forces and approached local business owner Kelly Dauer with a few pictures and the idea. “He developed the concept and the design,” Lahodny said. Four styles will be fashioned as orders come in: a backless bench, a bench with a back, a serpentine model, and a design encircling a shade tree. Businesses and individuals can also choose a plaque to display with the new seating.

The sleek benches being created by the team at Dauer are beautiful, yet rugged enough to survive Kansas extreme weather conditions too. From snow, rain, blazing heat … and even ice cream cones, these benches will stand the test of time and should remain here for LBK’s 200th anniversary and beyond.

]]>BenchmarkSpring ShowdownDala TownMon, 18 Mar 2019 02:47:19 +0000https://www.dalatown.com/articles/baseball5886355c17bffca1430acb79:588638cbd2b85712b9da9ce4:5c8db001e2c4837a234261a8Bethany College baseball fans were treated to perfect spring weather and a
weekend showdown between two old KCAC rivals as the BC Swedes hosted the
KWU Coyotes in Lindsborg … (Read more)

Bethany College baseball fans were treated to perfect spring weather and a weekend showdown between two old KCAC rivals as the BC Swedes hosted the KWU Coyotes in Lindsborg.

Bethany won game one of the three-game set, 7-0 powered by a complete game performance from senior Edwar Melendez. The Swedes’ right hander allowed just 4 hits while striking out 10 Coyotes on the day.

Game two began on Saturday and ended Sunday after an 8-8 tie game was suspended after 11 complete innings because of darkness. Wesleyan broke the tie with a run in the 13th and held on despite a Bethany rally that fell short.

Kansas Wesleyan won game three of the First Bank Smoky Hills Showdown on Sunday defeating BC 12-5. Next up: The Swedes travel to McPherson on Tuesday, March 19, for a DH at Central Christian College before hosting Oklahoma Wesleyan on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Swedes’ Josh Macat delivers the 1 and 2.

Another Coyote caught looking, “Strike three!”

BC’s Joe Kelleher blasts another line drive up the middle for a single on Saturday.

Bethany catcher Braden Scrivner scoots down the line to first base.

Next up: The Swedes travel to McPherson on Tuesday, March 19 for a DH at Central Christian College before hosting Oklahoma Wesleyan on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Spring ShowdownRoad TestDala TownThu, 07 Mar 2019 21:37:20 +0000https://www.dalatown.com/articles/road-test5886355c17bffca1430acb79:588638cbd2b85712b9da9ce4:5c804d9c8165f55e15f09c20An endurance test for cyclists on some gritty gravel roads around Lindsborg
and McPherson County is being planned for Sunday, March 24 … (Read more)

An endurance test for cyclists on some gritty gravel roads around McPherson County is being planned for Sunday, March 24; the Fair Weather Adventures on Gravel is for all ages. This video from last year’s event is a peek at some of the action.

Ivan Cabezas with Coronado Racing says the course will be a fully supported training ride for those gearing up for the Dirty Kanza race in June. “We'll have food and water available at various spots and ask for freewill donations to help cover some of the costs; otherwise the ride is free,” he said.

Riders will depart at noon on the 24th from the McPherson Water Park and head north of Lindsborg, then pedal through Little Sweden on the way back to Mac.

Cabezas knows the event will draw seasoned riders but he hopes that more families and children will also take part in portions of the race.

“We held a Cyclocross race in September in McPherson, which was one of my checkpoints to see how well we are getting the word out about getting kids riding. We had around 30 kids participate in the kids’ race, which was great,” he said. “I hope to continue our growth this year by holding one or two weekly events at the new bike park we are building in McPherson.”

Learn more about Fair Weather Adventures on Gravel and Coronado Racing by visiting their social media pagehere.

]]>Road TestRoaring into State: Smoky Valley Regional WrestlingSportsGracie LottMon, 18 Feb 2019 22:48:58 +0000https://www.dalatown.com/articles/smoky-valley-regional-wrestling5886355c17bffca1430acb79:588638cbd2b85712b9da9ce4:5c6a04961905f44fe48411eeThe four Viking mat men will head to the Tony’s Pizza Event Center for the
4A State Wrestling Tournament in Salina.

Vikings’ Ethan Wampler, 285 (39-4), roars at the crowd after capturing 1st place in the 4A Regional Wrestling Tournament.

Ethan Wampler captured 1st place in the 4A Regional Tournament in Lindsborg over the weekend, capping off Saturday with a win by fall over Ryely Seals of Santa Fe Trail at 2:27 in the match.

Happy Valentine’s Day to you, Lindsborg! We love how you sparkle and shine … sing, dance, learn, play, work and create!

]]>We Love You, Lindsborg!Smoky Valley vs Lyons // HS BasketballSportsDala TownThu, 07 Feb 2019 04:19:04 +0000https://www.dalatown.com/articles/smoky-valley-vs-lyons-hs-basketball5886355c17bffca1430acb79:588638cbd2b85712b9da9ce4:5c5b8175ee6eb05bcb444f21Smoky Valley High School boys and girls basketball teams defeated Lyons
Tuesday evening with a couple of uplifting victories ... (Read more)Smoky Valley High School boys’ and girls’ basketball teams defeated Lyons Tuesday evening with a couple of uplifting victories. After falling behind late in the 3rd quarter, the girls stormed ahead for a 12-point win, 53-41 over the visitors. Senior Kira Haxton led the Vikes on the floor with 13 points. In the nightcap the Smoky Valley boys took a 10-4 first quarter lead and never looked back while playing excellent defense. The boys locked down a convincing 28-point victory at home, 58-30. Senior Lane Schrag led SVHS with 14 points. The boys improve to 7-9 on the season while the girls are 3-12. Next up, the Vikings host Pratt Friday night. Photos by Gracie Lott

Smoky Valley vs Lyons // HS BasketballLittle Sweden Meets the Big IslandDala TownFri, 01 Feb 2019 02:32:43 +0000https://www.dalatown.com/articles/swedish-luau5886355c17bffca1430acb79:588638cbd2b85712b9da9ce4:5c5340c88165f51fa1631cbeVälkommen turned into a hearty aloha in Lindsborg over the weekend after a
Swedish Luau broke out downtown. Merchants and a few big kahunas helped
plan the first ever crossover event that celebrates the warmth of the
Hawaiian culture during the cold winter in Little Sweden … (Read more)

Välkommen turned into a hearty aloha in Lindsborg over the weekend after the Swedish Luau broke out downtown. Merchants and a few big kahunas helped plan the first ever crossover event that celebrates the warmth of the Hawaiian culture during the cold winter in Little Sweden. Island music piped into Main Street speakers while hula lessons, lutefisk limbo and a ukulele play-along added to the mirth factor. Organizer Mike Drier says the inaugural event, filled with food and drink specials, has already laid the groundwork for another Hawaiian punch in 2020.

]]>Little Sweden Meets the Big IslandCongratulations to our winner!Dala TownWed, 23 Jan 2019 05:44:55 +0000https://www.dalatown.com/articles/snapshot-winner5886355c17bffca1430acb79:588638cbd2b85712b9da9ce4:5c3e6ae3aa4a990be6f94c20Merissa Anderson of Manhattan, Kansas recently identified all 5 mystery
photos in Dala Town’s Snapshot $150 contest to win $150 in the drawing.
Here she recounts some memories of Lindsborg and looks forward to using her
prize money for her wedding day.

Merissa Anderson of Manhattan, Kansas recently identified all 5 mystery photos in Dala Town’s Snapshot $150 contest to win $150 in the drawing. Here she recounts some memories of Lindsborg and looks forward to using her prize money for her wedding day.

]]>Congratulations to our winner!Join the chorus! Dala TownWed, 23 Jan 2019 05:30:03 +0000https://www.dalatown.com/articles/join-the-chorus5886355c17bffca1430acb79:588638cbd2b85712b9da9ce4:5c47efb7bba223630da67938Performing Handel’s Messiah at Bethany College has been part of Lindsborg’s
DNA for 138 years. This Sunday, January 27, you can join the chorus as the
community and college will once again embark on a journey to tell … (Read
more)

Performing Handel’s Messiah at Bethany College has been part of Lindsborg’s DNA for 138 years. This Sunday, January 27, you can join the chorus as the community and college will once again embark on a journey to tell the resurrection story through music on Easter. For the full calendar of events surrounding the festival, go to Messiah Festival of the Arts.

]]>Join the chorus!The Miracle of ChristmasDala TownMon, 24 Dec 2018 22:12:04 +0000https://www.dalatown.com/articles/the-miracle-of-christmas5886355c17bffca1430acb79:588638cbd2b85712b9da9ce4:5c2156c9575d1f604fd6d5b0Four area pastors recently shared their thoughts and wonderment as they
pondered the birth of Jesus and the story that enveloped the people around
Bethlehem over 2,000 years ago. Enjoy this video as all of us at Dala Town
wish you a warm and wonderful Christmas!

Four area pastors recently shared their thoughts and wonderment as they pondered the birth of Jesus and the story that enveloped the people around Bethlehem over 2,000 years ago. Enjoy this video as all of us at Dala Town wish you a warm and wonderful Christmas!

]]>The Miracle of ChristmasBroom CountryDala TownTue, 11 Dec 2018 22:58:29 +0000https://www.dalatown.com/articles/broomcorn5886355c17bffca1430acb79:588638cbd2b85712b9da9ce4:5c06ca97352f53d109c0bba2The Swedish Crafts program at Bethany College has breathed new life into a
lost art in Lindsborg: broom making. Area farmer Vince Rocco teamed up with
Bethany to plant and harvest the broomcorn crop, helping students touch the
past … (Read more)

The Swedish Crafts program at Bethany College has breathed new life into a lost art in Lindsborg: broom making. Area farmer Vince Rocco teamed up with Bethany to plant and harvest the broomcorn crop, helping students touch the past.

Rocco grew up in New York and made Kansas his home after graduating from Kansas State University. The Johnstown Farm south of Lindsborg has been in his wife Christine’s family since 1906 and is located where broomcorn was once raised.

Around 1900, as many as three broom factories/warehouses were flourishing in the area, including one in Lindsborg.

Now Bethany College’s Swedish craft program is helping the crop come full circle in Lindsborg, from planting to harvest, from seed to slöjd (Swedish for handicraft), cultivating a long-lost skill and an artful way of life. To find out more about Swedish crafts and to purchase items made by students, visit https://www.bethanylb.edu/product-category/swedish-crafts/.

]]>Broom CountryThankful for Friends Dala TownSat, 24 Nov 2018 15:23:09 +0000https://www.dalatown.com/articles/we-are-thankful5886355c17bffca1430acb79:588638cbd2b85712b9da9ce4:5bf4c39703ce6458107a9d77The aroma of hot soups and fresh breads greeted patrons at the door on a
bone-chilling Saturday as Friends of the Lindsborg Library hosted the
annual We Are Thankful meal. The event is a delicious way for the
organization to thank the community and … (Read more)

Emma joined her family for a cinnamon roll and soup in the Swedish Heritage room at the library during the meal.

The aroma of hot soups and fresh breads greeted patrons at the door on a bone-chilling Saturday as Friends of the Lindsborg Library hosted the annual We Are Thankful meal. The event is a delicious way for the organization to thank the community and engage Lindsborg in conversations about what’s next.

About 60 people gathered at the library to enjoy fellowship and conversation.

Suzanna Swenson coordinates multiple community programs for the library.

“I love being able to help people find books that they enjoy,” said Suzanna Swenson, Director of the Lindsborg Community Library.

Swenson grew up on a farm near Smolan and says spending time at the library in Salina as a child helped shape her love for books. “I love doing the story times, and getting kids to love reading and learning, and helping elderly people find large print items and audio books.”

In 1960 the Lindsborg Community Library was founded by a group of ladies who wanted a place for the local children to have a summer reading program. The loan of 200 books from South Central Kansas Library System (SCKLS) helped them open the new library for three months.

Those 200 books were checked out 1,050 times that summer. Now the numbers have grown to more than 30,000 books and include movies, magazines, interlibrary loans and internet access, all available free to the entire community.

Surrounded by books, Swedish archives and movies, children and adults shared their own stories over the soup lunch about how they’ve enjoyed the library through the years. “I’ve been playing with this train since I was little,” 11-year-old Judah Cooper said as he pushed a well-worn locomotive through a wooden tunnel.

The train set has been a centerpiece for children to enjoy for 25 years. During that stretch of time the library has kept pace with changing demands by adding not only great books, but movies, audio books and computers with internet access to help people connect beyond Little Sweden.

One of the ongoing challenges for the library, Swenson says, is adding materials to the collection that people really want. “There’s always more books than budget.” By adding members to the Friends of the Lindsborg Library group, the reasonable annual dues help defray costs and increase the impact of the library even more.

Heads up! You’ll also find artwork like paintings and carvings from local artists throughout the library to enjoy.

Swenson added that SCKLS is another major funding source, “matching new program grants, etc. for computers, Lego Club, storytime, and more over the years.” The Lindsborg Lions and the Kiwanis Clubs were significant donors this year, and the Lindsborg Arts Council was a major funding source for summer reading program, covering all the music events. And around a dozen community businesses contributed to the summer reading program.

It’s that kind of teamwork that makes a community library like this a viable learning center in Little Sweden.

Books take us from Little Sweden to around the globe.

Funding for the library’s new filtered water fountain/water bottle filler station came from the Smoky Valley Community Foundation and the McPherson County Community Foundation.

Lego creations made by grade schoolers are part of the hands-on programming that the library provides to the community.